Over 1,000 global leaders gathered from May 21 to 24, 2024, for the inaugural United Nations Global Supply Chain Forum. Hosted by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) alongside the Government of Barbados, the conference aimed to tackle significant disruptions across international trade routes. Distinguished attendees included UN Deputy-Secretary General Amina Mohammed, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, and UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.
The forum’s discussions zeroed in on fortifying global production and distribution networks against the backdrop of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and persistent COVID-19 impacts. A key focus was the strategic enhancement of port operations to ensure their continued role in global value chains, particularly through technological and sustainable advancements.
A central issue was the need to decarbonize maritime shipping, with an emphasis on transitioning to sustainable fuel sources and developing safety protocols for new energy forms. The event also saw the introduction of the ‘Manifesto for Intermodal, Low-Carbon, Efficient and Resilient Freight Transport and Logistics,’ advocating for critical changes in freight operations to achieve global climate goals and bolster economic stability.
The forum was pivotal for small island developing states (SIDS), underscoring their unique challenges due to climate change. Discussions advocated for increased global support for these regions, focusing on sustainable transport and logistics infrastructures.
Technological innovations, particularly blockchain and advanced customs systems, were highlighted as essential for enhancing the transparency and resilience of supply chains. The launch of the UNCTAD Trade-and-Transport Dataset, developed with the World Bank, promises a new era of trade data accessibility, providing detailed insights into global trade dynamics.
The conference also engaged young innovators through the UNCTAD Supply Chain Innovation Challenge, spotlighting forward-thinking solutions for more sustainable supply networks.
Looking forward, the forum’s insights and initiatives are set to pave the way for continued global discussions, with Saudi Arabia scheduled to host the next gathering in 2026. This upcoming forum aims to further Saudi Arabia’s vision of transforming into a leading global logistics center.
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